Name
of Ethnic Group:
Chu Ru (Cho Ru and Ru).
Population: More than 10,000 people.
Locality: Don Duong District in Lam Dong Province and
Binh Thuan Province.
Customs and Habits: The Chu Ru worship their ancestors
and these rituals are carried out in the cemetery. Each family in the
Chu Ru clan consists of three to four matrilineal generations,
and monogamy is observed in Chu Ru society. Young women choose their
husbands and initiate the process of marriage. The husband then lives
with his wife's family.
Culture: The Chu Ru language belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian
group.They have adopted a sedentary life and have developed a rich oral
literature composed of popular songs, folk songs, and proverbs. The
"play" (village) contains many family lineages, and other
ethnic groups may reside in the same village. "Poplay" (village
chiefs) are elected by the inhabitants of the village and a sorcerer.
Economy: The Chu Ro developed farming
practices very early in the culture. They also developed agriculture,
raised cattle, made bamboo and rattan articles, and sculpted pottery.
Hunting and gathering have now become sideline occupations in every
family